Councillor Mike Pickett, chair of licensing committee, said: “We have a large association of taxi drivers here in Crawley and it is important that we make efforts to ensure they are able to protect their livelihoods.

“However, we also have to ensure we take into consideration the safety of the public, many of whom rely on taxis to get around. I would urge members of the public to fill out the survey and tell us what they think about the proposals.”

The consultation can be found online at www.crawley.gov.uk/consultation until 6 December.